Mandatory multidisciplinary management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Need of the hour in a country with high prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth common cancer diagnosed and fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its incidence is on rise due to increasing prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Pakistan is ranked second in countries burdened by hepatitis C virus in the world. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma is complex as it develops on the back of liver cirrhosis, and the risk of mortality is an accumulation of both tumour-related factors as well as liver decompensation. A multidisciplinary tumour board is an ideal approach to improve the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma since this ensures assimilation of input from a diverse group of care-providers, including hepatobiliary and transplant surgeons, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, oncologists and palliative care specialists. A multidisciplinary tumour board provides tailored approach to individual cases in a timely fashion to avoid treatment delays and communication gaps to improve the overall outcomes.